The Washington Commanders entered the 2022 NFL offseason with plenty of money to spend in free agency. However, Washington struck a deal with the Indianapolis Colts to acquire quarterback Carson Wentz and his entire salary, effectively taking the Commanders out of free agency.
Just before the official start of free agency, Washington released guard Ereck Flowers and defensive tackle Matt Ioannidis and designated safety Landon Collins as a post-June 1 cut. The moves saved the Commanders over $25 million in cap space for 2022, with Wentz scheduled to count $28 million against the cap next season.
Washington’s primary goals this offseason were to add a legitimate veteran starting quarterback and re-sign No. 1 wide receiver Terry McLaurin to a new long-term deal. The Commanders found their quarterback for 2022 — and possibly beyond — and now look to sign McLaurin before training camp.
The Commanders have just under $8 million in available cap space but will be close to $20 million when Collins comes off the books, per Over the Cap.
According to Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus, Washington is one of the best teams in the NFL at managing the salary cap. In PFF’s NFL “Cap Health Rankings,” the Commanders come in at No. 5.
Spielberger explained the five categories that determine good cap health.
One thing currently helping Washington is having so many key players on rookie deals. McLaurin, Daron Payne, Chase Young, Montez Sweat. Cole Holcomb and Kam Curl are some of the Commanders’ key starters still on rookie deals. That will end soon as McLaurin, Payne and Holcomb will all be free agents after 2022.
Some will argue Washington has gone cheap while remaining inactive in free agency. Some have speculated the Commanders could be having cash-flow problems with owner Daniel Snyder buying out his minority owners last year.
It is important to note that Washington did spend last offseason signing Curtis Samuel, William Jackson III and Ryan Fitzpatrick while…
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